Mustard plants come from several plant species (genera Brassica and Sinapis). The most common types of mustard are Sinapis alba (also called Brassica alba, yellow mustard, or white mustard) and Brassica juncea (also called brown mustard or Indian mustard). Black mustard (Brassica nigra) fell out of use in commercial mustard products in the 1950s.

Mustard has a long history of use. Traditionally, mustard or mustard oil have been used as a treatment for stomach and intestinal disorders and diabetes, as a natural antibacterial agent, to stimulate vomiting, and as a massage oil to improve blood circulation, muscular development, and skin texture. Mustard plaster (a mixture of flour and mustard powder) has been traditionally applied to the chest and abdomen to promote healing. Today, the primary use of mustard is as a condiment.

The pungency of mustard comes from its isothiocyanate compounds. Mustard oil is a pungent plant extract from mustard seed, horseradish, and wasabi, and its main constituent is allyl isothiocyanate. Although it is used in India and elsewhere as a cooking oil, high doses injected or applied topically can cause irritation and inflammation.

There is limited human evidence in support of the use of mustard plaster for bronchitis or for the use of mustard oil in prevention of heart attack. Evidence is conflicting as to whether mustard oil is effective at lowering cholesterol levels or as to its beneficial effects as a massage agent in infants. At this time, high-quality human trials in support of the use of mustard or mustard oil for any indication are limited. Better-designed clinical trials are needed before recommendations can be made regarding taking mustard for any condition.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

In human study, a plaster containing white mustard seed was as effective as a traditional Chinese bronchitis treatment. Additional study is needed in this area.

C

In human study, mustard oil consumption in the diet of patients with a heart attack resulted in a decrease in further heart problems. In further dietary study, consumption of mustard oil, as well as other foods (vegetables, legumes, walnuts, almonds, whole grains, and soybean oil) resulted in reduced risk of heart attack and deaths due to heart problems. Additional study is needed in this area.

C

In human study, inclusion of mustard oil in the diet resulted in little benefit in terms of cholesterol levels. Additional study is needed in this area.

C

Mustard oil is used topically in newborn care as part of a traditional oil massage for neonates in many developing countries. Reasons include promotion of strength, maintenance of health, and provision of warmth. In human study, daily massage with oils, including mustard oil, improved growth and postmassage sleep in infants. However, in animal study topical mustard oil caused toxic effects on the skin. Additional study is needed in this area.

C

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Three tablespoons of powdered mustard has traditionally been used to induce vomiting. 14 grams of dry mustard has been used as a laxative.

For high cholesterol, mustard oil as 25% of total energy intake has been used for eight weeks. For heart benefits, 2.9 grams of mustard oil has been used daily for one year.

For bronchitis, a plaster containing mustard (one teaspoon of flour with ½ teaspoon of mustard) has been applied to the chest for eight hours.

Children (younger than 18 years)

In infants, 20 milliliters of mustard oil has been massaged onto the skin daily for four weeks. Caution is advised, as some reports have warned that application of mustard oil to the skin of infants is potentially toxic.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

People with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to mustard and other members of the Brassicaceae family (e.g., cabbage, cauliflower, turnip, Chinese cabbage, rapeseed, radish, or horseradish), nuts, legumes, corn, Rosaceae fruit, mugwort pollen, turnip rape, Brazil nut, peach, melon, or cashews should avoid mustard and mustard oil. Also, children with sensitivities to cow's milk, egg, wheat, and pollens (birch, timothy, or mugwort), should avoid mustard, as they are more likely to react to mustard and rapeseed. Both local (e.g., skin) and whole body reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are possible. Respiratory (e.g., nose, sinus, and lung) reactions are also possible.

Mustard may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Mustard may decrease the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that affect bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular conditions, cancer, gastrointestinal conditions, and iodine deficiency.

Avoid the use of mustard oil in high doses.

Mustard should be purchased from trusted sources to avoid consumption of mustard plants grown in soils contaminated with heavy metal or other toxins. Wash mustard leaves carefully before use.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Large amounts of mustard or mustard oil should be used cautiously in pregnant women, due to lack of safety information. Use of mustard in food preparation is likely safe.

Mustard may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or taking insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Mustard may decrease the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised when taking drugs that affect bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Mustard may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Mustard may decrease the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised when taking herbs and supplements that are believed to affect bleeding, such as Ginkgo biloba, garlic, and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically affect bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.